Reimagining Agricultural Research in Africa: Demand, Innovation and Transformation
Date
2026-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
FARA
Abstract
Reimagining Agricultural Research in Africa: Demand, Innovation and Transformation examines the current state, challenges, opportunities, and future trajectory of agricultural research systems across Africa. The publication argues that strong, well-funded, and competitive agricultural research systems are fundamental to achieving food security, economic growth, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and agricultural transformation across the continent.
The book situates agricultural research at the center of Africa’s development agenda and explores how investments in science, innovation, education, and technology can drive the transformation of agrifood systems. It reviews the evolution of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), regional research organizations, universities, innovation platforms, and continental initiatives such as CAADP, Agenda 2063, STISA-2034, the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa, the Soil Initiative for Africa, and the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan.
The publication introduces forward-looking concepts including Agricultural Research Sovereignty, the Agricultural Research Transformation Index, and the Africa Agricultural Research Transformation Framework, offering practical pathways for strengthening African-led research systems that are globally competitive, digitally enabled, and capable of accelerating innovation and development outcomes.
Description
This publication provides a comprehensive assessment of agricultural research and innovation systems in Africa and presents a strategic vision for strengthening the continent’s scientific capacity to support sustainable agricultural transformation. It explores the institutional, financial, technological, human resource, and policy dimensions that shape agricultural research performance across African countries.
The book emphasizes that agricultural research is not merely an academic exercise but a critical driver of:
Food security;
Economic growth;
Climate resilience;
Environmental sustainability;
Industrial development; and
National competitiveness.
Key areas examined include:
Historical Evolution of Agricultural Research;
Development of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS);
Growth of regional research organizations;
Expansion of agricultural universities and higher education systems;
Evolution of agricultural innovation ecosystems in Africa;
Research Institutions and Governance;
National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs);
Regional agricultural research organizations;
CGIAR centres;
Universities and higher education institutions;
Public-private partnerships in research and innovation;
Research Financing and Investment;
Agricultural research funding trends;
Public and private sector investments;
Development partner support;
Sustainable financing mechanisms for research systems;
Science, Technology and Innovation;
Biotechnology and advanced breeding;
Digital agriculture and emerging technologies;
Innovation systems and scaling pathways;
Data-driven agricultural decision-making;
Human Capital and Capacity Development;
Research leadership;
Scientific workforce development;
Higher education and training;
Youth engagement in agricultural science; and
Strategic Transformation Frameworks.
The publication introduces several innovative concepts aimed at stimulating policy dialogue and institutional reform, including:
Agricultural Research Sovereignty;
Agricultural Research Transformation Index; and
Africa Agricultural Research Transformation Framework
The book advocates for stronger African ownership of agricultural research agendas, increased domestic investment in science and innovation, stronger partnerships among governments, research institutions, universities, private sector actors, farmers, and development partners, and greater use of digital technologies to strengthen agricultural knowledge systems.
It concludes that Africa’s agricultural future depends on its ability to build resilient, competitive, and demand-driven research systems capable of generating locally relevant solutions while contributing to global scientific advancement.
Keywords
Agricultural Research, Agricultural Innovation, Research for Development, AR4D, Agricultural Transformation, Agricultural Research Systems, Innovation Systems, Food Security, Science and Technology, Agricultural Policy, Agricultural Research Sovereignty, Innovation Scaling, Capacity Development, Agricultural Investment, Africa
Citation
Fatunbi, A. O., Odeke, M., Njukwe, E., Munoko, K., & Mabuza, M. (2026). Reimagining agricultural research in Africa: Demand, innovation and transformation. Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). ISBN 978-9988-44-029-9.